Bad breath is caused by Anaerobic Sulfur Producing Bacteria, which normally live within the surface of the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria are supposed to be there, because they assist humans in digestion by breaking down proteins found in specific foods, mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or "broken-down" oral tissue. Under certain conditions, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate. Proteins are made up of Amino Acids. Two of the Amino Acids are dense with sulfur. When these beneficial bacteria come into contact with these compounds, the odorous and lousy-tasting sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat, as Hydrogen Sulfide, Methyl Mercaptan, and other odorous and bad tasting compounds. These problem compounds are often referred to as volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), where volatile means Vaporous and Effervescent, two adjectives that accurately describe their ability to offend other people instantly.

High Protein Foods

The bad breath bacteria love those proteins, and certain foods are packed with them. Milk and Cheese and most other dairy products are high protein foods. Since your system cannot digest them properly, they are available to the bacteria for an extended period of time. A recent research article from the Los Angeles Times on lactose intolerance showed that nearly 67% of all Americans could be classified as Lactose Intolerant. This is due to the fact that in a diverse population such as we have here. There is a predilection for Asians, Hispanics, and African-Americans to be lactose intolerant. Fish are high in proteins. As many people eat a high fish diet, logically they make the problem worse. Coffee with caffeine contains high levels of acids that cause the bacteria to reproduce more rapidly and create a bitter taste for many people. Coffee drinking was one of the problems that my patients used to have. After starting my treatment, they have been able to go back to coffee drinking without any bitter tastes afterward.

Dry Mouth

Although some cases of dry mouth are naturally occurring, most cases are caused by one of these factors; prescription medications antihistamines, adult beverages, and mouthwashes with alcohol in them. When your mouth is dryer, you have less Saliva. Saliva naturally contains Oxygen, which keeps your mouth healthy and fresh. These bacteria are anaerobic, which simply means that they will thrive and make more sulfur in the presence of little or no oxygen. Thus if you have less Saliva, you have less oxygen, thereby creating an anaerobic environment, perfect for the bacteria to produce more of these odorous and sour/bitter compounds.

Bad breath treatment
Most adults suffer from bad breath intermittently, although it may affect up to a quarter of adults on a regular basis. Bad breath is usually brought on by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria somewhere in the mouth. However, there are several...

Getting rid of bad breath
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Post nasal drip bad breath
The nose can contribute to bad breath. Thick mucus discharge resulting from colds, allergies, medications, pregnancy or hormonal changes can collect on the back of the tongue. This layer of mucus provides a protective blanket under which bacteria...